Government Finalizes Gwadar Port Operationalization Plan to Boost Regional Trade

Islamabad: The government has finalized the Gwadar Port Operationalization Plan during a high-level meeting led by Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal. The session focused on addressing challenges hindering the port’s full functionality and outlining a roadmap for its activation.

Ministers for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh co-chaired the meeting, with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal participating online. Key officials, including secretaries from relevant ministries and the CEO of the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A), were also present.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Gwadar into a regional trade hub, emphasizing its role in job creation and economic growth. He stated that the prime minister has instructed the immediate operationalization of Gwadar Port and urged all stakeholders to expedite the process.

The meeting highlighted key initiatives such as urban development, IT parks, free zones, and infrastructure improvements to position Gwadar as a major trade and transshipment hub for Central Asian Republics (CARs). The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) was tasked with exploring trade route integration with CARs to enhance Pakistan’s role in regional commerce.

A dedicated working group on transshipment was proposed to accelerate trade initiatives, while the Planning Commission’s infrastructure team was directed to devise short- and long-term strategies for Gwadar’s efficient operation.

Additional measures include setting up rest areas along the Karachi-Gwadar route, improving mobile network coverage, and strengthening security for seamless port operations. The finalized Gwadar Port Activation Plan will now be presented to the Cabinet for approval, marking a significant step toward unlocking the port’s economic potential and strengthening Pakistan’s trade capabilities.